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Bhagawan Mahavir)
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wonderful intellectual power has inspired many old and dull students of my school; and his ideal character has left a deep mark on their outlook. To be frank, I have reached this conclusion that you had sent this boy to school to test my knowledge and ability. There is not a tinge of flattery or lie in what I have said.” King Siddhartha returned very respectfully, “ Master Sahib ! you are wrong. You should never think like that. A test of teachers ? Impossible ! Boyhood is the time when every child should be taught reading and writing. At least, the custom has got to be observed. If we disregard our religious rites and customs, and do not observe them duly it is quite probable that religon may dwindle to insignificance and may be wiped out of its existence one day. That is quite another thing that one boy remembers everything as soon as his memory is tickled; another learns thing when he is taught for some time; and a third one cannot under-stand a thing even if he is taught that a thousand times or for the whole life; for, that depends upon the strength or weakness of the effect of good deeds done by them in their previous lives. However that may be, my son's memory of his previous knowledge has been revised by going to school; and what can be more creditable than this ? You should not, therefore, feel sorry in the least. I am very pleased with your frank and honest behaviour. I expected the same from you, and that was why I put my son under your charge. I wanted that he should have remained in your institution for some time, more but if you say, I am very glad to withdraw him from school." With these words, king Siddhartha asked prince Vardhamana to give with his own hands a large sum of money to his teacher, and after paying due respects to him, he took leave of him.
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